Celebrating B Movies, Cult Films, and Indie Classics.

When most people speak about American animation, you certainly will hear about Walt Disney’s indisputable contribution to the art form. And no doubt you will also hear about Warner Bros. and the amazing Looney Tunes legacy. And while history has, for the most part, brought these two studios to the foreground. There were other greats among them – Fleischer Studios, for one, who brought us Betty Boop and Popeye. And UPA, who’s distinct style and bold story-telling pushed the boundaries of animation during their heyday and influenced many modern animators.

UPA is an American animation studio spawned in the early 1940s from out of the Walt Disney animators’ strike. Many of the Disney animation team came on board the new studio in pursuit of more artistic expression and experimentation they felt was lacking in Disney and Warner Brothers animations. UPA, which stands for United Productions of America, is perhaps best known for producing the Mr. Magoo series.

The following is just a sampling of the theatrical shorts UPA produced within the 1940s and 1960s while under contract with Columbia Pictures. Many nominated for Academy Awards with a few earning the honor. (See complete list)

The Tell-Tale Heart (1953)

The classic Edgar Allen Poe story, brilliantly narrated by James Mason. This film is probably my personal favorite from UPA. It’s stunning visuals create an atmosphere and sophistication that borders on fine art. Elements of the backgrounds invoke something out of a Picasso painting.

Gerald McBoing Boing (1951)

Based on a story by Dr. Seuss, this animated short used bold graphic design and geometric shapes to tell the story of a boy who spoke only in sound effects. Directed by Robert Cannon, it won the 1950 Academy Award for Best Animated Short.

The Unicorn In The Garden (1953)

Funny James Thurber story about married life in which a henpecked man desperately tries to tell his wife about the extraordinary creature in the garden. The short was directed by William Hurtz who also worked on The Bullwinkle Show and George of the Jungle.